United Airlines says CEO has quit

Resignation tied to federal probe of Port Authority

Associated Press

Published 8:02 pm, Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta

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FILE - In this May 15, 2015, file photo, United Airlines Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smisek, speaks during a panel discussion on unfair international competition at the National Press Club in Washington. United Airlines said Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, that Smisek has stepped down as CEO, chairman and president effective immediately and has named Oscar Munoz as president and chief executive officer. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) ORG XMIT: NY120 less

FILE - In this May 15, 2015, file photo, United Airlines Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smisek, speaks during a panel discussion on unfair international competition at the National Press ... more

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta

United Airlines says CEO has quit

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The chairman and CEO of United Airlines is stepping down in connection with an investigation into dealings with the agency that operates New York-area airports.

United disclosed earlier this year that the company and some of its executives had received subpoenas from a federal grand jury for information about dealings with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. United said it was conducting its own internal investigation.

Former Port Authority chairman David Samson's activities have been subject of document requests from the U.S. attorney's office in New Jersey, including Samson's votes on United Airlines projects at Newark Airport at the same time United was restarting flights from Newark to Columbia, S.C., near where Samson has a vacation home.

United began an about twice-weekly direct flight from Newark to Columbia that began after Samson became chairman and was canceled days after he resigned last year.